2026 SC House District 31 Election

*CANDIDATES' VIEWS IN THE Q&AS LINKED BELOW DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OF ONESPARTANBURG, INC. CANDIDATE RESPONSES ARE THE CANDIDATES' OWN WORDS, HAVING COME FROM EMAILED RESPONSES.*

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

MONIER ABUSAFT

Candidate did not respond.

ROSALYN HENDERSON-MYERS (i)

Candidate did not respond.

UNITED CITIZENS PARTY CANDIDATE

JAMES JONES

*Not on ballots until November's General Election

Website: www.Jamesforyousc31.org

The Office You're Seeking: South Carolina House District 31

Tell us about yourself, your involvement in our community, and why you are running for the SC House.

I’m James A. Jones Sr. - a proud Spartanburg native, attorney, and former federal prosecutor with nearly three decades of experience serving our country and our community. Throughout my career, including my time as Deputy Chief Counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, I’ve worked on complex legal matters, represented the federal government in over 1,000 immigration hearings annually, and fought to uphold fairness, accountability, and justice. But my work has never just been about the courtroom; it’s about people. Spartanburg raised me, and I’ve always believed in giving back. Whether it was helping coordinate food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic or working alongside local organizations to expand access and opportunity, I’ve stayed committed to serving the community that shaped me. That’s why I’m running for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 31. I’ve launched my S.O.S. platform - Stimulating Opportunity for Spartanburg - because I hear the needs of our community, and I’m ready to act.

What is the role of state government, if any, in economic development and corporate recruitment? How can the State help raise per-capita income in Spartanburg and across the state?

The state can push policies that tie good safe jobs and contracting opportunities with state funding and services to businesses. One example is FILOT reform. The state can mandate local contracting, jobs, and job training to run with any county, state, local FILOTs for large corporations. In the event a given number of jobs or contracts are not given per agreement, the companies in receipt of the state, local, funding can contribute workforce and other funds charged with expanding high paying jobs and local contracting opportunities.

Comprehensive Tax Reform remains a high priority in the SC General Assembly. Income, property, and sales tax are all being discussed for reform. As a State Representative what would be your approach to good tax policy for the State?

I believe in fair progressive taxes where those who benefit most must pay their fair share. Sales taxes that his low and marginal working families harder than corporate giants who benefit most are unfair and regressive. South Carolina must put worker and family priorities above out-of-control profits of large corporations.

Childcare across South Carolina is often unaffordable and inaccessible, damaging our state’s economy and outcomes for our children. Data shows that a lack of childcare options prohibits some people from participating in the workforce. In South Carolina, the state’s prime-age labor force participation rate of 81.1% falls 2.5% points below the national average. As a state representative, what are some solutions you have for this crisis?

I will support policies that offer true affordable and varied child care options, including incentivizing extended care daycare centers already in use.

What are the greatest challenges facing your District and what will you do as the Representative to address them?

Economic opportunity is the greatest issue facing SC District 31. Too few people have living wages. Too few people are afforded worker rights. Too few local businesses are tapped for state, city, county, and school contracting opportunities.

Please identify any other issues or concerns that influenced your decision to run for this office.

South Caroling District 31 needs a real advocate that will fight for economic stimulation for all of Spartanburg, improved education for our students and adults needing continued educational resources, and grow businesses with a solid respect for our environment, including safe water and clean air.